“If She Was” or “If She Were”? The Choosing the Right One

Mastering English grammar can be tricky, especially when it comes to verb forms. One of the most common sources of confusion is whether to use “if she was” or “if she were.” These phrases look similar but serve different grammatical functions.

This guide will break down the key differences when to use each, and how context influences the choice. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of conditional sentences, the subjunctive mood, the indicative mood, and real vs. hypothetical situations.

Understanding Conditional Sentences in English

Conditional sentences express situations that depend on a certain condition being met. These conditions may be real, hypothetical, or contrary to fact.

Types of Conditional Sentences

Type	Example	Meaning
Zero Conditional	If water boils, it turns to steam.	A scientific or universal truth.
First Conditional	If she studies, she will pass the exam.	A real possibility in the future.
Second Conditional	If she were taller, she could play basketball.	A hypothetical or unreal present/future scenario.
Third Conditional	If she had studied, she would have passed.	An unreal past event that didn’t happen.

Understanding these sentence structures helps in deciding whether to use “was” or “were.”

The Key Difference Between “Was” and “Were”

English has two primary verb moods that determine whether “was” or “were” is correct:

• Indicative Mood – Expresses facts, reality, and certainty.
• Subjunctive Mood – Expresses hypotheticals, wishes, and contrary-to-fact statements.

The choice between “if she was” and “if she were” depends on which mood the sentence is using.

The Subjunctive Mood and When to Use “If She Were”

The subjunctive mood is used to discuss situations that are contrary to reality or purely hypothetical.

When to Use “If She Were”

• When talking about imaginary, impossible, or unreal situations.
• When expressing wishes, hypotheticals, or contrary-to-fact statements.
• When forming polite, formal, or literary sentences.

Examples of “If She Were” in Sentences

• If she were a doctor, she would help many people. (She is not a doctor.)
• If she were taller, she could reach the top shelf. (She is not taller.)
• I wish she were here. (She is not here.)

Why “Were” Instead of “Was”?

Even though “she” is singular, English grammar treats hypothetical situations as plural in the subjunctive mood. That’s why “were” is used instead of “was.”

Quote: “The subjunctive mood in English is a relic of older grammar rules but remains essential for clarity in hypothetical scenarios.” – Oxford English Dictionary

The Indicative Mood and When to Use “If She Was”

The indicative mood is used to discuss real or possible situations – events that happened or could happen.

When to Use “If She Was”

• When talking about real past events or conditions.
• When referring to something that could have happened but isn’t hypothetical.

Examples of “If She Was” in Sentences

• If she was late, it was because of traffic. (She was possibly late.)
• If she was at the party, I didn’t see her. (She may have been at the party.)
• I don’t know if she was serious about quitting. (Uncertain but real past event.)

Key Difference: “Was” = Reality, “Were” = Hypothetical

If you’re unsure which to use, ask yourself: Is the situation real or imagined? If it’s real, use “was.” If it’s imaginary, use “were.”

Comparing Real vs. Unreal Conditions in Sentences

To make the distinction even clearer, here’s a direct comparison of “was” vs. “were” in different contexts:

Sentence	Is it Real or Hypothetical?	Correct Usage
If she was sick, we need to reschedule.	Possible past reality	Was
If she were sick, I’d take care of her.	Hypothetical	Were
If she was at work, she missed the call.	Real past event	Was
If she were at work, she wouldn’t answer anyway.	Hypothetical	Were

Context Matters: Choosing the Right Form Based on Meaning

Many grammar mistakes come from not considering the context. The choice between “was” and “were” depends on what you are trying to say.

Using “If She Was” to Reflect on the Past

• If she was unhappy, she never showed it. (Possible reality.)
• If she was at the store, she didn’t tell me. (Refers to a past event.)

Using “If She Were” for Hypothetical Scenarios

• If she were a millionaire, she’d travel the world. (Not real.)
• If she were my sister, I’d be so happy. (Imaginary.)

Are “If She Was” and “If She Were” Ever Interchangeable?

In casual conversation, many people use “was” and “were” interchangeably. However, in formal writing and academic settings, the distinction matters.

Acceptable Overlaps in Informal Speech

• “If she was here earlier, I didn’t see her.” (Technically correct, though “were” might be used in a wishful context.)
• “If she were here earlier, she could have helped.” (Hypothetical.)

Rule of Thumb:

• For formal writing, follow strict grammar rules.
• For casual speech, understand the distinction but know that informal usage may vary.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Many English learners struggle with “was” vs. “were.” Here are some common errors:

Common Mistakes

❌ If she was taller, she could be a model. (Incorrect – hypothetical)
✅ If she were taller, she could be a model.

❌ If she were at the meeting, she would have spoken. (Incorrect – real past event)
✅ If she was at the meeting, she would have spoken.

Practical Tips for Mastering the Difference

To avoid confusion, use these simple memory tricks:

✔ Think about reality vs. imagination – Use “was” for facts, “were” for hypotheticals.
✔ Apply the “wish” test – If it expresses a wish or an unreal condition, use “were.”
✔ Check verb consistency – Keep verb tenses consistent throughout your sentence.

“Good grammar is like good hygiene – you don’t notice it unless it’s bad.” – Anonymous

Quick Practice: Test Your Understanding

Which sentences are correct? Try these:

1. If she ___ a better cook, she would open a restaurant. (was/were)
2. If she ___ at the park, she must have left early. (was/were)
3. If she ___ born earlier, she could have met her great-grandparents. (was/were)

(Answers: 1: were, 2: was, 3: were.)

Conclusion:

Mastering “if she was” vs. “if she were” is essential for clear communication. The key is to determine whether the situation is real or hypothetical before choosing the correct form.

By applying these rules, you’ll write and speak with confidence, avoiding common grammar pitfalls.

Let me know in the comments – which phrase you struggle with the most.

“If She Was” or “If She Were”? Choosing the Right One – FAQs

1. Which one is correct: “If she was” or “If she were”?

Both “if she was” and “if she were” are grammatically correct, but they’re used in different contexts.

• Use “if she were” for hypothetical or unreal situations—things that are contrary to fact or imagination.
  
• Use “if she was” for possible or past real situations—things that could have happened or did happen.
  

2. When should I use “if she were”?

Use “if she were” when talking about a situation that is not real, imagined, or contrary to fact.

Examples:

• If she were taller, she could be a model.
  
• If she were here, she’d know what to do.
  

This is known as the subjunctive mood, which expresses wishes, unreal conditions, or hypothetical scenarios.

3. When is it correct to say “if she was”?

Use “if she was” when referring to a situation that may have actually happened in the past or has some basis in reality.

Examples:

• If she was at the meeting, I didn’t see her.
  
• If she was upset yesterday, it’s understandable.
  

This is the indicative mood, used for real or possible events.

4. Is “if she were” more formal than “if she was”?

Yes, “if she were” often sounds more formal and is more common in written or professional contexts, especially when describing hypothetical conditions. However, it’s also the grammatically correct choice for unreal or imagined situations.

5. Is “if she were” outdated or old-fashioned?

Not at all. While some may think it sounds a bit formal, “if she were” is still very much in use today, especially in correct written English. It’s a part of standard grammar, particularly for expressing unreal conditions.